Best
Beginner
Bass Guitar
-
Overall: Versatile and powerful bass tone suitable for different genres.
-
Best Feature: Classic vintage design with stunning aesthetics.
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Intermediate Bass Guitar
-
Overall: Get Ready to Thump, Rumble & Groove with the Yamaha TRBX204
-
Best Feature: Available in a stylish Gray Metallic finish
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Professional Bass Guitar
-
Overall: Makes everything you play sound thicker & more powerful
-
Best Feature: Lower string tension allows for fat & full lows
-
TedScore™: 9/10
I recall beginning my quest to find the top bass guitar under 500. The sheer number of choices felt like a tidal wave!
It’s incredible how many great basses you can find in this price range. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a good start or an experienced player wanting a reliable backup, there’s something here for everyone.
Let’s explore this guide to find out which bass guitars give you the most for your money. Ready to discover your next favorite bass? Let’s get started!
Buying a Bass Guitar
Under 500
If you’re looking for the best bass under 500, you might think you’ll have to sacrifice quality for affordability. However, this isn’t always true. With the proper research and understanding of what to look for, you can find an instrument that offers excellent value for the money.
Buying a budget bass guitar has benefits:
- It helps you determine if playing bass is something you enjoy without investing too much money.
- It allows room for upgrades as you progress and develop your skills.
- Many brands like Squier, Yamaha, and Ibanez offer affordable basses with good quality.
- As a beginner, you won’t have to stress about damaging or scratching a less expensive instrument.
The 7 Best Bass Guitars Under 500
Since you’re in the hunt for the best basses under 500, we’ve compiled a list of top-rated bass guitars that offer excellent sound quality, durability, and playability without breaking the bank.
Discover your perfect instrument and take your bass playing to the next level, all within your budget.
LA Bass Guitar by Gear4music, Red
For the discerning bassist looking for an instrument with a quality sound and a low price tag, there is no better choice than the LA Bass Guitar by Gear4music. This lightweight bass guitar has a solid paulownia body with a maple neck and poplar laminate fingerboard.
It features Korean chrome hardware and a vintage hardtail bridge for maximum durability. The split coil humbucking pickup with volume and tone controls gives you a variety of classic sounds with a crisp, clear tone and good low-end depth, punch and sustain.
The build quality is also impressive for this price range, as it comes with a high-quality gloss finish that hides its lower cost. It also features sustainable wood, with dense and natural grain of the oiled fretboards, giving improved tone and volume. With all these features, the LA Bass Guitar is definitely one of the best bass guitars under 500.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner bass players
FEATURES: 20 Frets
OTHER INFO: Comes with 1/4" jack cable and fitted gig bag
LA Bass Guitar by Gear4music, Red
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Crisp, clear tone with good low end depth, punch and sustain
- Lightweight & comfortable body
- Impressive build quality at low cost
- Improved tone and volume
- Excellent value for money
- Limited range of sounds
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Jackson JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X, Satin Black
The Jackson JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X in Satin Black is a bass guitar designed to make playing easy and enjoyable for beginners and experienced players alike. With a short scale length, it’s perfect for players with smaller hands or those who find larger basses difficult to handle. The smooth maple wood neck reduces friction, allowing you to move quickly and easily across the fretboard.
But this bass is more than just easy to play – it’s capable of producing a wide range of tones. With both jazz and precision bass pickups, you can create everything from clear and sharp riffs to deep and dirty basslines. The electronics are perfectly balanced, ensuring that you can play whatever style of music you like.
The Jackson JS1X also looks superb, with a bold satin black finish that catches the eye. The Sharktooth inlays on the fretboard add an extra touch of style and personality, while the pointed Jackson headstock suggests the sharp, cutting sound this bass can produce.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner bassists
FEATURES: Short scale bass of 28.6''
OTHER INFO: 22 Jumbo frets
Jackson JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X, Satin Black
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Lightweight body makes it easy to manoeuvre and play
- Dual humbuckers give more options for sound
- Short scale length makes playing easy and accessible
- Black hardware, hardtail bridge and sealed diecast tuners offer superior tuning stability and sustain
- Pearloid sharkfin inlays offer a stylish look
- Not suitable for heavier genres of music, such as metal or punk
- Frets can be hard to adjust for some players
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Squier Bronco Bass, Torino Red
The Squier Affinity Bronco Bass in Torino Red is a versatile and dynamic instrument that offers a lot of features for bass players of all levels. The special-design single-coil pickup provides a powerful and vintage tone, perfect for classic rock ‘n’ roll sounds.
With the Squier Classic Vibe Bronco Bass, your basslines will never get lost in the mix, giving you the opportunity to fully express your creativity.
One of the standout features of the Bronco Bass is its comfortable and ergonomic design. The sleek maple neck and “C”-shaped profile fit the contours of your hand beautifully, providing precision playability and eliminating strain.
Whether you’re playing funky rhythms, walking basslines, or your individual playing style, the Bronco Bass offers a fantastic platform for digging deep into your creativity.
The hardware of the Bronco Bass is also top-notch, providing complete reliability for your playing needs. The two-saddle chrome bridge and classic Fender die-cast tuning machines enhance tuning stability and keep your strings in tune. The synthetic bone nut ensures strong resonance and guarantees that your sound will always be huge.
Overall, the Squier Affinity Bronco Bass is the complete bass package, perfect for rehearsals, practice sessions, studio time, and gigs.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner to Intermediate Players
FEATURES: Body made of Agathis wood
OTHER INFO: Scale Length: 30"
Squier Bronco Bass, Torino Red
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Ergonomic shape for effortless playability
- Lively resonance right out of the box
- Responsive bridge and tuning machines
- Vintage tone suitable for classic rock 'n' roll sounds
- Great for beginners or as a secondary instrument for more experienced players
- Only one pickup limits tonal options
- Agathis wood body may not provide the same level of resonance and sustain as higher-end tonewoods
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Epiphone SG Bass E1 (EB-0 Bass), Cherry
The Epiphone SG Bass E1 (EB-0 Bass) is another option under 500 that bassists can enjoy. The standout feature of this bass is its powerful Sidewinder humbucking pickup that delivers a clear and punchy low-end bass sound with a crisp mid-range.
The pickup’s tonal characteristics make it an incredibly versatile instrument that can be moulded to suit different playing styles.
The EB-0 Bass Guitar is designed with the same classic feel and style as the vintage SG bass, providing a stunning performance that bassists have come to love. The mahogany body and neck, paired with the pau ferro fretboard, deliver a warm and rich tone with excellent sustain.
The slim taper neck profile ensures a comfortable playing experience, while the classic Pearloid dot inlays and a vintage cherry finish add to the instrument’s iconic SG-style aesthetic.
This bass is built for long-lasting convenience, with volume and tone controls that allow for optimum tonal shaping and sturdy nickel tuners that hold the instrument in tune for longer periods.
The fully adjustable bridge creates a balanced playing feel that doesn’t strain the hands, and the plastic nut ensures that you don’t have to worry about retuning the instrument after every song.
PERFECT FOR: Beginners and intermediate players.
FEATURES: Frets: 20
OTHER INFO: Fully adjustable bridge
Epiphone SG Bass E1 (EB-0 Bass), Cherry
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Versatile and powerful bass tone suitable for different genres.
- Comfortable to play for long periods of time.
- Classic vintage design with stunning aesthetics.
- Holds tuning well.
- Sidewinder pickup can sound mushy and soupy.
- Neck-heavy.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Squier Mini Precision Bass LRL, Dakota Red
Introducing the Squier Mini Precision Bass LRL, Dakota Red – a small but mighty bass that packs a punch! Designed with quality components and sound in mind, this mini bass is perfect for those seeking excellent playability and a bass that fits comfortably in their hands.
The smaller size and lighter weight make it easier to handle, while the frets are easier to reach, allowing for sharper and more precise basslines.
The single Squier Split-Coil pickup is a standout feature of this bass, delivering a bright, punchy, and articulate sound that cuts through the mix. Its vintage-style twang is perfect for any genre, from rock to blues, making it a versatile instrument that can adapt to any playing style.
The ‘C’ shaped maple neck feels smooth and comfortable, allowing you to easily reach any fret you like with ease. The laurel fretboard adds additional smoothness and resonance, contributing to a great playing experience. With these features, you can expect to unlock your creativity and shine on each string.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: 20 Frets and 28.6" Scale Length for easy playability
OTHER INFO: 4-Saddle vintage-style bridge and die-cast sealed tuning machines for easy tuning and adjustment
Squier Mini Precision Bass LRL, Dakota Red
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Small and lightweight, easier to handle than a regular-sized bass.
- Easy fingering on the fretboard.
- Vintage twang that suits any genre.
- Comfortable 'C' shaped neck and knurled flat-top control knobs for easy use
- Insubstantial hardware.
- Limited Controls
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Yamaha TRBX204 Bass, Gray Metallic
The Yamaha TRBX204 Bass in Gray Metallic is a powerful and versatile instrument designed to deliver tonal power and rich, immersive tones. Equipped with a duo of single-coil pickups, it brings you a classic, thunderous tone with a thick, smooth charm that bassists love.
The split single-coil neck pickup, master volume, pickup balancer, and two-Band EQ give you ultimate control and immense versatility to explore all kinds of distinctive single-coil bite with a thick, rumbling richness and a responsive attitude to your individual flair.
The TRBX204 Bass is ergonomically designed for pure playability, with a sleek maple neck and a smooth, player-friendly neck profile that feels natural to hold and sublime to grip.
The lightweight, contoured body provides maximum playing comfort for every musical scenario, whether you’re rehearsing at home, playing long practice sessions, jamming with friends, or gigging. The TRBX204 Bass provides the fast, responsive feel you and your music deserve.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner to Intermediate
FEATURES: Available in a stylish Gray Metallic finish
OTHER INFO: Comes with D'Addario EXL165 strings, ranging from 0.045 to 0.105.
Yamaha TRBX204 Bass, Gray Metallic
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Classic, thunderous tone with thick smooth charm
- Versatility to cover a multitude of genres/techniques
- Sleek maple neck for precision playability
- Lightweight contoured body for playing comfort
- Ergonomically effortless
- Saddle may be prone to cracking or breaking over time
- Heavy saddle can cause discomfort
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet Bass II, Shell Pink
The last guitar you’ll ever need is here. The Gretsch G2220 is the perfect instrument for any bass player. It has all the features you need for a great performance, and it’s built to last.
From the neck to the body, this bass guitar is crafted with only the finest materials. The maple neck is smooth and comfortable, while the black walnut fretboard gives it a rich tone. Meanwhile, the basswood body adds a beautiful resonance to your sound.
The two Gretsch single coil pickups provide plenty of thump and twang as you play. Whether you’re playing funk or rockabilly, you’ll have an incredibly full sound that’s perfect for any stage. Plus, the three-position toggle switch lets you easily select between bridge, neck and middle pickups so you can find the tone that best fits your style.
At under 500 bucks, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better bass guitar. The Gretsch G2220 Bass is the perfect combination of style, sound and affordability.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner to Intermediate Players
FEATURES: 3-position toggle switch, and G-Arrow control knobs
OTHER INFO: 20 Medium jumbo fret
Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet Bass II, Shell Pink
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Delivers superb amounts of twang
- Makes everything you play sound thicker & more powerful
- Lower string tension allows for fat & full lows
- Chosen tonewoods are durable, stable & have great tonal capabilities
- Not suitable for professional players
- Limited tone shaping options
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Bass Guitar
Knowing what to look for can be challenging for first-time bass guitar buyers due to the cost. Every player has different preferences and playing styles, but understanding some basic concepts before purchasing is essential.
This guide will help you research and decide when to buy the right bass guitar.
Player Level
When buying a bass guitar, consider the player’s skill level. Beginners and intermediate players may only need some of the features that an experienced player would want, such as a wider range of tones or more control over their sound.
Scale Length
Scale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge on the guitar.
Shorter scale lengths are easier to play and better for players with smaller hands or those who want more comfort. Longer scale lengths provide better string tension and suit players who prefer a more traditional bass sound.
Hardware Quality
Always check the build quality of a bass guitar before buying, even if it’s from a well-known brand.
Make sure it feels comfortable and suits your playing style. Check the neck and frets for any issues.
Consider if a simple setup can fix any problems, but remember this may add to the cost. A proper setup will help the bass guitar perform at its best.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of a bass guitar is determined by its pickups, tone controls, and other electronics.
A good bass guitar should produce a clear, balanced, and dynamic sound that suits your playing style and genre. Test out different bass guitars to find one that produces the sound you’re looking for.
Electronics
The electronics of a bass guitar can include active or passive pickups, tone controls, and other features that affect its sound. Active pickups provide a more powerful and defined sound, while passive pickups offer a more natural and organic tone.
Consider your playing style and preferences when choosing the electronics of your bass guitar.
Brand Reputation
Well-known and respected brands often provide better quality instruments with good customer support and warranties.
Investing in a reputable brand can ensure a reliable, long-lasting bass guitar. However, don’t let brand reputation be the only factor – try different bass guitars to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Best Bass Guitar For Under 500
Summary
In conclusion, the best budget bass guitar is a great way to get started playing the bass. We looked at factors like sound quality, build quality, and playability.
The Yamaha TRBX204, Squier Affinity Bronco by Fender, Gretsch G2220, and Epiphone SG all had key features that made them stand out in their respective price range. Depending on your preferences and playing style, any of these bass guitars would make a great addition to your rig.
Now, I’d love to hear your opinion. Have you had any experience with bass guitars under 500? Which model do you find most appealing, or do you have other recommendations to share? Sound off in the comments below!
Thanks for reading this article. I hope it provided you with helpful information on finding the best bass guitar under 500.
Play bass and enjoy the process!
never knew there were so many options under 500. this helps lots, thanks for the share.
This list is most insightful; thank you, Robert Emery, for taking the time to compile it. One wonders about the factors for a true beginner to weigh the most heavily. For instance, should hardware quality trump sound quality at this juncture, or is it more prudent to invest in superior sound quality from the outset? Scale length was mentioned, but I’m somewhat at sea as to how it impacts playability for someone with smaller hands.
So when’s the bass drop? 😄
yo robert emery, dope list man. been thinkin of grabbin a new bass to jam with my crew. that gretsch junior jet sounds sick. pink’s not my color but hey, music’s bout the sound right lol
totally get you on the color thing, but trust, gretsch kills it with sound. solid choice for punk vibes.
I appreciate the detail in this list, Hugh Richardson. The Yamaha TRBX204 in Gray Metallic not only looks sleek but also offers great value for its price point. It’s encouraging to see quality instruments becoming more accessible to beginners.
Hey Hugh Richardson, thanks for putting this together. Been thinking of picking up bass playing as a hobby, and this budget-friendly list seems like just what I needed to kickstart that journey. Between the Yamaha TRBX204 and the Gretsch G2220, which one would you say has a more versatile sound? I listen and hope to play a wide range of genres. Appreciate it!
Gretsch has a unique tone but Yamaha’s versatility can’t be beaten for beginners.
Got the Yamaha last month and it slaps! Pretty solid for funk to rock. Can’t speak for the Gretsch though.